Home for the Holidays by Aloni

Home for the Holidays by Aloni - May 2018 Scholarship Essay

As a freshman in college going home for the holidays was something I always looked forward to. I always thought about the times I would be able to spend with my family once I got back home. carrying my bags back into my house, jumping onto my huge bed with leopard print comforters, indulging into a sea of pillows thinking I am finally home. Thanksgiving was a time that I could not wait to get home for. I knew I would be surrounded by my family, amazing food, laughs, and a loving atmosphere.
Thanksgiving was a routine for my family and I. Annually my mother would cook, then the evening of Thanksgiving my immediate family would gather at my grandparents house. Later most of the family would come to my grandmothers house and we would stay late and just enjoy each others company. All my life that was the plan for thanksgiving day, I never thought about people who did not experience the same events. I had wanted to serve the community but never looked out to find a place to go and serve.
Last year when I went home for the holidays a family friend gave my mother and I the opportunity to serve at a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving day. Serving at a shelter on a holiday was something that I had always wanted to do, getting the chance was very exciting. We were going to serve on thanksgiving day. Serving at the shelter included heating food, handing out silverware, mingling, and making sure everything was in order to serve the homeless in an efficient manner. Waiting on people to arrive was nerve racking, I did not know if people would be rude, or nice. I asked myself repeatedly what was the right or wrong thing to say to avoid offending anyone. People came in to be served and they were joyful, it was an eye opening experience. I learned not to be discouraged by my circumstances because they could be a lot worse. I met an elderly woman who told me she slept in a bed for the first time, and that she had been sleeping outside for a long time. To think I could only imagine going through that, I instantly had the urge to appreciate the small things in my life.
As I stated previously I learned to not be disappointed in my circumstances. During my time serving on thanksgiving at the shelter I thought about all the trying times I had been through with my mother. From not having enough money to pay for certain things, having to sleep at different houses for multiple reasons, and being emotionally drained because of issues I was dealing with. I realized none of that compared to what the people in that shelter had been and were currently going through. I watched them smile, laugh, and be present in the midst of every problem they had to deal with outside the doors we were in. That day taught me too be more appreciative and open minded any time come across a tribulation in my life.
Giving my time to the community that day left a mark on me that I will never forget, that I am also thankful for. I will not forget the smiles on their faces, how happy they were to be eating a good meal, and lastly how many times they thanked us. For cooking, or just for handing them a plate. Now when I go home for the holidays I will make that time special for someone other than myself.